Experience Japan's Traditional Culture Night Tour in Kyoto

Kyoto , Japan

Experience Japan's Traditional Culture Night Tour in Kyoto

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Experience authentic Japanese culture in historic Gion district with this exclusive evening tour. Watch traditional performing arts at Gion Corner including Kyoto dance, tea ceremony, and seasonal bunraku or noh performances. Stroll through atmospheric streets illuminated by paper lanterns in the preserved historical district.

Enjoy a unique candlelit tea ceremony in a traditional ryokan courtyard, followed by authentic Zen-style vegetarian dinner reflecting Buddhist culinary traditions. Your National Government Licensed English Guide provides expert cultural insights throughout this immersive 4-hour experience.

Available options

5:05 PM Departure

What's included

National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter fee

Admission fees included in the tour

Japanese-style dinner

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Take some time to appreciate Japan’s traditional arts such as a traditional Kyoto dance, tea ceremony, flower arrangement, koto music, bugaku (court dance and music), kyogen (traditional Japanese comic theater), bunraku (Japanese puppet theatre), or a noh play.
Each performance is organized into a 5-10 minute show, so it can be enjoyed casually.

Walk from Hanamikoji-dori Street, lined with historic teahouses and restaurants, to Gion Shimbashi, an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Partway through, enjoy the atmosphere of an evening in Gion illuminated by paper lanterns that vary by area, and visit the Tatsumi Shrine, also known as Gion's Inari Shrine, where maiko pray for improvement in their art.

Enjoy an exclusive private evening tea ceremony with candle light at Gion Yoshi-Ima's tea ceremony room Kurenaitei. Dinner will be served in Zen style, a simple but well-balanced dietetic meal now attracting global attention. Gion Yoshi-Ima is a traditional Kyoto townhouse featuring a long, narrow-fronted style called "unagi no nedoko," which means a bed for an eel. Look forward to its interesting structure including a courtyard that's not visible from the outside.

What's not included

Dinner time drink charges

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.0

1 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.6

5 reviews

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Important information

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Gion Corner Programs: Regular Performance (Mar. 15 - Nov. 30), watch a traditional Kyoto dance, tea ceremony, flower arrangement, koto music, bugaku (court dance and music), kyogen (traditional Japanese comic theater), and bunraku (Japanese puppet theatre) or a noh play. Either bunraku or noh will be performed depending on the season. Winter Performance (Dec. 1 - Mar. 14), watch a traditional Kyoto dance, tea ceremony, flower arrangement, koto music, bugaku (court dance and music), and kyogen (traditional Japanese comic theater). Customers can take a commemorative photo with the maiko. *Please note that the content is subject to change

Children under 7 years of age (0-6 years old) may not participate

Buddhist vegetarian cuisine is served for dinner, so we welcome vegetarian participants. However, bonito stock is used in the tempura dipping sauce. Salt can be used instead of the tempura dipping sauce. The ingredients of tempura are tofu, namafu wheat gluten, yuba tofu skin, and vegetables in season, such as eggplants, lotusroot, ginger, and shiitake mushrooms. Miso soup and rice are also served. *Requests for Muslim-friendly meals, Indian thali meals, and allergy-friendly meals are not accepted

Tour's total duration is 4 hours, thouogh, the total duration listed in the itinerary is 2 hours and 50 minutes. The remaining hours are allotted for the travel time and the waiting time for performance of Gion Corner

Parental permission in writing is necessary for all tour participants under the age of eighteen. Any participant under the age of fifteen or not yet enrolled in middle school must be joined by a parent or guardian on the tour

Meeting point

Meet your guide holding a JTB Sunrise Tours sign at GOOD NATURE HOTEL 1F in front of the hotel entrance. The hotel is a 2 minute walk from Hankyu Kyoto Line Kyoto Kawaramachi Station, Exit 4.

Important notes

• If you have arrived at the pickup location but have trouble finding the meeting point, you can either ask the representative from JTB Sunrise Tour or call the local operator JTB Sunrise Tours on +81 3 5796 5454 (7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Japan time) for assistance.
• You can join the tour with this voucher.
• Participants are advised to bring a topcoat or other warm clothing in autumn and winter.
・Casual clothing is permitted.
• A moderate amount of walking is involved. Please wear a pair of comfortable walking shoes.
・Customers under 6 years of age are not permitted.

About Kyoto

Kyoto, once the imperial capital of Japan, is a city rich in history, culture, and tradition. Known for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses, Kyoto offers a unique blend of ancient and modern Japan. The city is a must-visit for travelers seeking to experience the heart of Japanese heritage.

Top Attractions

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

A Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, Kinkaku-ji is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks. The temple's top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully on the surrounding pond.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours ¥400

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, Fushimi Inari Taisha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice. The trails leading up the mountain offer stunning views of Kyoto.

Religious 2-4 hours (depending on how far you hike) Free

Kiyomizu-dera

A historic wooden temple with a large veranda supported by massive wooden pillars, Kiyomizu-dera offers panoramic views of Kyoto. The temple is particularly famous for its spring and autumn foliage.

Religious 1-2 hours ¥400

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

A stunning grove of bamboo, Arashiyama is one of Kyoto's most famous natural attractions. The towering bamboo stalks create a surreal and peaceful atmosphere.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (Tenryu-ji Temple costs ¥500)

Gion

Kyoto's most famous geisha district, Gion is known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and the chance to spot geishas and maikos (apprentice geishas).

Cultural 1-2 hours (longer if dining or attending a cultural event) Free to explore (dining and cultural events can be expensive)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kaiseki Ryori

A traditional multi-course Japanese meal that emphasizes seasonality and presentation. Each dish is carefully prepared and artfully presented.

Dinner Often includes fish, meat, and vegetables, but vegetarian options are available.

Yudofu (Tofu Hot Pot)

A Kyoto specialty featuring tofu simmered in a light kombu (kelp) broth, often served with vegetables and condiments.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian-friendly, can be made vegan if broth is vegetable-based.

Matcha Desserts

Kyoto is famous for its high-quality matcha (green tea) powder, used in various desserts like ice cream, parfaits, and wagashi (traditional sweets).

Dessert Vegetarian and vegan options available.

Obanzai

Home-style Kyoto dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, often featuring vegetables, fish, and tofu.

Lunch/Dinner Can be adapted to various dietary preferences.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the mountains Cycling through the countryside Rafting on the Hozu River Onsen (hot spring) visits Tea ceremonies Scenic walks in gardens and parks Temple and shrine visits Traditional tea ceremonies

Best Time to Visit

March to May (Spring), October to November (Autumn)

Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and are the best times to visit for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. These seasons also see the highest tourist volumes.

15°C to 25°C (Spring), 10°C to 20°C (Autumn) 59°F to 77°F (Spring), 50°F to 68°F (Autumn)

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited/Rare

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

JST (UTC+9)

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Kyoto is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to take basic precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Use reputable tour operators and taxis

Getting there

By air

Kansai International Airport • 115 km from Kyoto
Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 40 km from Kyoto

By train

Kyoto Station

By bus

Kyoto Station Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most extensive and affordable way to get around Kyoto. They cover most areas of the city and are especially useful for reaching temples and shrines.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, INDRIVER

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Gion Higashiyama Arashiyama Downtown Kyoto (Shijo-Kawaramachi)

Day trips

Nara

40 km from Kyoto • Half day to full day

Nara is a historic city known for its ancient temples, shrines, and the famous Nara Park, home to hundreds of free-roaming deer.

Uji

20 km from Kyoto • Half day

Uji is a small city known for its historic temples, beautiful riverside scenery, and high-quality matcha (green tea).

Kurama and Kibune

25 km from Kyoto • Full day

Kurama and Kibune are two neighboring villages in the mountains north of Kyoto, known for their hot springs, hiking trails, and scenic beauty.

Festivals

Gion Matsuri • July (main events on July 17th and 24th) Jidai Matsuri • October 22nd Aoi Matsuri • May 15th

Pro tips

Visit popular attractions like Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kinkaku-ji early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Consider purchasing a Kyoto City Bus Pass or other transportation passes to save money on getting around the city.
Try local specialties like yudofu (tofu hot pot), matcha desserts, and obanzai (home-style Kyoto dishes).
Explore the city's many temples and shrines, but don't forget to take time to enjoy the natural beauty of Kyoto's gardens and parks.
Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for local customs and traditions.